Catholic Community
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Archbishop: Most Rev. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
8215 Reservoir Street, Houston, TX 77049-1728 281-458-2910 281-458-5703 Fax: 281-458- 7114 www.dominicchurch.org www.parishesonline.com Pastoral Staff Pastor: Rev. Roger Estorque
frroger@comcast.net
Deacon: Rev. Mr. Phil Wiles Sr. Olga Rivera, DJ DRE
Sr. Lupita Romo, DJ Bookkeeper: Duc Manh Ho Office Manager: Irma Galvan
igalvan@comcast.net Office Assistant: Claudia Ramirez Maria Ramos David Vasquez Housekeeping Estela Sandoval Eliseida Pineda Pastoral Council Members Chairman - Juan Hernandez Vice Chairperson - Jocelyn Vera
Secretary - Juanita Hernandez Beatriz Lopez, Rosana Gonzalez,
Valentin Cobos, Jose Luis & Rosario Rodriguez
Salvador & Maria Manzo Finance Council Members Hector Hernandez, Albert Allala Deacon Phil Wiles, Miguel Leyva
Osvaldo Segura Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Religious Education From the first week of September through the
last week of May CCE Office Hours Monday, Wednesday
Thursday & Friday 5:00 p. m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 4:00 –8:00 Sunday 9:00-3:30
We, the parish community of St. Dominic, Houston, TX, a multi-cultured community, joined together by faith in Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church, commit ourselves to help each other grow in the understanding of our faith, celebrate this faith in Liturgy and live it out by using the gifts of each person in the service of others, especially those in need, so that in the end, we may become truly a community of faith: truly the people of God and be of service to all!
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MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS Leaders & Time
Altar Servers: Jesus Velasquez, & Hna. Lupita Romo, DJ
3rd Saturday 9:00 am. (English & Spanish)
E. M. of Holy Communion:- Albert Allala - 713-301-4566
1st Sunday Cry Room after each mass
E. M. de Eucaristia: Juan Montalvo 2nd Monday 7:00 pm Lectors English: Albert Allala 2nd Sunday after each mass Lectores Spanish: Reyna Mendez
Liturgy English Music: Melner Calvo, Sundays 5 :00 pm
Liturgia Musica Espanol: Valentin Cobos, Jesus Puente, Elias Tello
Ushers/Greeters English Dr. Michael Cubacub Acomodadores Español: Miguel Rodriguez Offertory Collection Counters: Gloria Casey
Parish Pastoral Council– Juan Hernandez, 1st. Monday 7:00 pm Parish Finance Council: Hector Hernandez quarterly & as necessary
Baptismal classes- English Melner Calvo, Alex Bozon, Michael Cubacub Clases Pre -Bautismales Español Lauro y Veronica Leal,
Rogelio y Reyna Mendez , Valentin y Araceli Cobos
Catholic Daughters Juanita Hernandez, 3rd Thursday 6:30 pm Family Ministry/Couples for Christ - Albert Allala Knights of Columbus: Bill Burling, 1st. Sunday 9: 30 am Ladies’ Guild– Alicia Vasquez 2nd Wed. of the month 1:00 pm Legion of Mary– Rosana Gonzalez, Saturday 9:00 a.m. English Legion de Maria –Rosana Gonzalez Martes 7:00 p.m. Español Facilities Maintenance Daron Monteilh & Clarence Jenkins
Asamblea De Oración, Froylan y Gaby Andrade Jueves 7:00 pm MFCC St. Dominic: Osvaldo y Nancy Segura
Parish Youth Ministry: Dr. Michael Cubacub Thursday 7:00 pm Clase Pre-Nupcial : Luis y Silvia Cervantes
Pre-Nuptial Class: English Melner Calvo, Clem Monta, Alex Bozon Albert Brooks Harry Sonnier Laura Sonnier Ernestine Alsene Manuel Herrera Dot Neiderhofer Eileen Surovec Bobbie Anderson Carile Bell Georgia Malonson Peggy Ganaway Glice Ligason Chris Laque Erica Taylor AJ Taylor J. J. Fuentes, Sr. Lily Rose Thomas Pauline Sanchez Frances Gouge Maria San Juan Reynaldo Taupo Harold DesVignes Mike Boudreaux Dorthy Duhe Irene Richard Mervin Auzenne Eva Owens Joe Lozoya
Pre -Baptismal Registration
Must register in the parish office,
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am –3:30 pm a week prior to the class. Bring child’s birth certificate; required to register
Sponsors if married must be married by the Catholic Church and
marriage certificate required.
If single they must be at least 16, and bring copy of their Baptism,
First Communion and Confirmation
Parents and godparents must attend two pre-baptismal classes
held 1st & 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 - 9:30 pm.
Donation for class is $50.00
Baptism celebration 3rd Saturday of the month at 9:00 am
Child being baptized can not be older than 7 yrs. Old.
Children 7 years and older must be prepared through the parish Catechism Program. (Guidelines of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston )
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Información Pre- Bautismal - Pase a la oficina parroquial
Lunes –Viernes, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm una semana antes de la clase. Es requerido presentar la acta de nacimiento del niño/a quien van a bautizar.
Padrinos Si están casados
deben estar casados por la iglesia Católica es requerido presentar la acta de matrimonio.
Si son solteros deben tener por lo menos 16 años y presentar su
acta de Bautizo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación.
Papas y Padrinos tienen que asistir a dos pláticas pre-bautismales
el primer y segundo martes del mes de 7:00-9:30 pm.
Donación para la platica: $50.00
Bautismos el segundo Sábado del mes a las 9:00 am
Niños sin bautizar no deben ser mayores de 7 anos de edad.
Niños deben recibir catecismo en el programa de la parroquia. (Guías de Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston)
Presentación de Tres Años
Cuarto domingo del mes durante la misa de 1:00 p.m. Pasa a la oficina y presente acta de bautismo para registrase
PLEASE LET US KNOW… If you or a loved one are
hospital-ized and would like to be added to the prayer list, have a visit, homebound, and receive Holy Communion or the Sacrament of Anointing. Call the Parish office @ 281-458-2910
Eucharistic ADORATION 1st Friday
Holy Hour for Vocations:
on Thursdays: 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.
Next Full Day Adoration : July 3, 2015
8:30am–9:00 p.m. Jesus asks us, “Can you not
spend an hour with me?” For further information,
call Mrs. Gloria Casey @ 713-453-4968
Sacrament of Marriage: Register at least 6 months in
advance; drop by the office and fill out form and be ready to meet the pastor; Pick up wedding information check-list.
Quinceañera Celebrations: The family must be registered
in the parish for a period of three (3) months prior to the date of the first preparation session. The candidate should register for her/his Quince Años ceremony on or before her/his 14th
birthday . The candidate must have been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and must have received First Eucharist prior to the time of the ceremony. If the honoree has not received the Sacrament of Communion, she/he should be enrolled to prepare to receive the sacrament before the Quince Años ceremony. The candidate must attend and com-plete preparation sessions with the coordinator and must join our parish youth program. Pick up Quinceañera information check-list.
Queridos amigos en St. Dominic
Fue una experiencia muy memorable y desafiante que pasamos el fin de semana pasado con la confirmación de 70 jóvenes de la Parroquia. No teníamos electricidad - no había aire acondicionado, no hay luces en la iglesia durante la celebración con su Eminencia Cardenal Daniel DiNardo, arzobispo de Galveston-Houston. Nuestro poste de luz fue gravemente golpeado por un fuerte rayo sábado por la tarde (30 de mayo) y nos interrumpió le fuerza de electricidad a parcial (sin energía para el aire acondicionado) y sin fuerza para la pompa de agua. Center Point fue capaz de restaurar nuestra electricidad una hora después de la celebración de la Confirmación (31 de mayo). La celebración ha ido bien en la fecha prevista y como hemos espe-rado, excepto que celebramos en la oscuridad total y con el cardenal profusamente sudando. ¡Gracias a todos los que hicieron esta celebración que sea un éxito a pesar de todos los pronósticos. Nuestro equipo Ministerio hispano era muy visible y útil en estos tiempos- trayendo toda su recursos con generadores -, luces especial-mente su presencia y su disposición a servir. Señor. Raúl Rolando Vásquez, Gabby Andrade, Jesús Puente y todos los demás miembros de la Asamblea y el equipo del ministerio español! Dios bendiga a todos ustedes!
La confirmación de este año se recordara a lo largo de la historia de nuestra co-munidad en la que uno nunca se puede perder o olvidar. Felicitamos a nuestros jóvenes recién confirmados y que todos ustedes se sigan guiado y fortaleciendo por el Espíritu Santo para ser capaz de dar testimonio de su fe y confianza en Dios. Damos las gracias a Su Eminencia el Cardenal Daniel DiNardo que nos apoya en nuestro camino de fe y por medio de esta celebración más memorable de nuestra fe y de la vida como una comunidad aquí en St. Dominic. Gracias a nuestro equipo de confirmación - bajo el liderazgo de las hermanas Discípulas de Jesús - Hna. Olga DJ, Hna. Lupita DJ & Hna. Linda, DJ. También a Dr. Michael Cubacub y Rosana González junto con nuestro entrante coordinadora de Juventud - Dee González.
Este fin de semana se celebra la solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo. Estamos tan acostumbrados a la Eucaristía que a veces nos podemos olvidar lo increíble que realmente es este sacramento. Esa es una de las razones por las que la Iglesia nos da hermosa fiesta de hoy del Corpus Christi. Cada católica en todo el mundo se está volviendo su atención a este don divino por el cual Jesucristo bajo las especies del pan y del vino, sigue y habita entre nosotros y para nutrir nuestras almas a través del Santísimo Sacramento de la Eucaristía.
Hay dos milagros que participan en este sacramento, dos milagros que se producen en cada misa. Durante las palabras de la consagración, los humildes, sustancias normales del pan y el vino se convierten en cuerpo vivo de Cristo y de la sangre. La sustancia del pan se cambia en su cuerpo, y la sustancia del vino se transforma en su sangre; este proceso se llama "transubstanciación". Ellos son realmente cambia-dos; Cristo se hace realmente presente en ellos. Este es el primer milagro. El segundo milagro es que, aunque la sustancia del pan y del vino ha cambiado, su aspecto sigue siendo el mismo. Después de las palabras sagradas de la consagración, que todavía se ven como el pan y el vino, pero bajo esas apariencias, Jesús está realmente presente. Es por ello que tratamos la Eucaristía con tal reverencia: no es sólo un símbolo; es un sacramento, un misterio de la presencia real de Cristo. Estos dos milagros se realizan en cada Misa, a través del ministerio del sacerdote, por el poder del Espíritu Santo. Y justo después de las palabras de la consagración, todos expresamos nuestra admiración, asombro, y la creencia en estos dos milagros cuan-do damos nuestra respuesta a la invitación del sacercuan-dote: "Vamos a proclamar el misterio de la fe." Este doble milagro es, sin duda, un milagro tranquilo - al menos la mayor parte del tiempo. Pero de vez en cuando, Dios lo permite para ser más dramática, con tal de no caer en la rutina.
Atentamente suyo en Cristo, Rev. Roer Estorgue
Dear Friends in St. Dominic
It was a very memorable and challenging experience that we went through over the week-end with the Confirmation of 70 young people from the Parish. We had no power- no AC, no lights in the church during the celebration with his Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. Our light post was badly hit by a very strong lightning last Saturday evening (May 30th ) and we experienced partial power
inter-ruption (no power for the AC) and no power for the water pump. Center Point was able to restore our power an hour after the celebration of Confir-mation (may 31st). The celebration went well as scheduled and as we have
expected except that we celebrated in total darkness and with the Cardinal profusely sweating. Thank you to all those who made this celebration a success despite all odds. Our Spanish Ministry team was very visible and helpful during these times- bringing all their resources- generator, lights especially their presence and their willingness to serve- Senor, Raul Rolando Vasquez, Gabby Andrade, Jesus Puente and all other members of the Asamblea & the Spanish ministry team ! God bless all of you!
This year’s Confirmation will go all along the history of our community as the one never to be missed or forgotten. We congratulate our newly confirmed young people and may you all continue to be guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit to be able to give witness to your faith and trust in God. We thank His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo who supported us in our journey of faith and through this most memorable celebration of our faith and life as a community here in St. Domi-nic. Thanks to our Confirmation Team- under the Leadership of the Discipulas de Jesus – Sr. Olga DJ, Sr. Lupita DJ & Sr Linda, DJ. To Dr. Michael Cubacub and Rosana Gonzales together with our in-coming Youth Coordinator- Dee Gonzalez.
This week-end we celebrate the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. We are so used to the Eucharist that we can sometimes forget how amazing this sacrament really is. That is one of the reasons the Church gives us today's beautiful feast of Corpus Christi. Every Catholic through-out the world is turning their attention to this divine gift by which Jesus Christ, under the appearances of bread and wine, continues to dwell among us and to nourish our souls through the most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist.
There are two miracles involved in this sacrament, two miracles that occur at every Mass. During the words of consecration, the humble, normal sub-stances of bread and wine are changed into Christ's living body and blood. The substance of the bread is changed into his body, and the sub-stance of the wine is changed into his blood; this process is called "transubstantiation." They are truly changed; Christ becomes truly present in them. This is the first miracle. The second miracle is that although the substance of the bread and wine has changed, their appearance remains the same. After the sacred words of consecration, they still look like bread and wine, but under those appearances, Jesus is truly present. This is why we treat the Eucharist with such reverence: it is not just a symbol; it is a sacra-ment, a mystery of Christ's real presence. These two miracles are performed at every Mass, through the ministry of the priest, by the power of the Holy Spirit. And right after the words of consecration, we all express our won-der, awe, and belief in these two miracles when we give our response to the priest's invitation: "Let us proclaim the mystery of faith." This double-miracle is, admittedly, a quiet double-miracle - at least most of the
time. But every once in awhile, God allows it to become more dramatic, just so we do not fall into routine.
Sincerely yours in Christ Rev. Roger Estorque
Yearly Budget $347,750.00
Weekly to meet budget $ 6,687.50 5/24/2015 Collection $ 7,705.43 Building $ 1,386.79 5/31/2015 $ 5,867.84 Building $ 1,463.51 Monday June 8th 7:00 pm Formación Cristiano Tuesday June 9th
5:30 pm Coro Angeles de Dios/Mr. Tello 7:00 pm Baptismal Class English & Spanish 7: 00 pm Coro Voces de Jubilo/ Mr. Puente
7:30 pm MFCC 20 Etapa
Wednesday June 10th
7:00 pm Formación de Servidores
Thursday June 11th
5:30 pm Coro Angeles De Dios/ Mr. Tello
Friday June 12th
6:00 pm Keeping Promise Alive
Saturday June 13th
9:00 am Legion of Mary English Sunday June 14th
3:00 pm Mantiendo Viva la Promesa
Saturday June 6th
8:00 am † All Souls/Difuntos 6:00 pm † All Souls/Difuntos
Sunday June 7th
8:00 am † Laura Spence/Rita Brody † Preston Jean/Joycie Jean
9:30 am † Elpidio Montalvo/Juan Mantalvo † Jose Perez/Familia Perez
1l:15 am † Tomas Colin Mary Lou Rodriguez 1:00 pm † Ramon Izaguirre/Beatriz Isaguirre † Adrian Madrigal/Familia Madrigal
Monday June 8th
8:00 am † Justine Williams
Tuesday June 9th St. Ephrem 8:00 am † Fabius Bascon
Wednesday June 10th
7:00 pm † All Souls/Difuntos
Thursday June 11th St. Barnabas 8:00 am † All Souls/Difuntos
7:00 pm Asamblea de Oracion Friday June 12th
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 8:00 am † All Souls/Difuntos
Saturday June 13th St. Anthony of Padua; 8:00 am † All Souls/Difuntos
6:00 pm Health-Irene Richard/Joycie Jean
Goal $33,000.00
Total
Pledged
$31,184.00
Total
Paid
$21,930.00
Total Families
290
Pledge under
($ 1,816.00)
Paid Under
($11,070.00)
READINGS FOR THE WEEK/LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Monday: 2 Cor 1:1-7; Ps 34:2-9; June 6th Gospel: Mt 5:1-12 Tuesday: 2 Cor 1:18-22; Ps 119:129-133, 135; June 7th Gospel: Mt 5:13-16 Wednesday: 2 Cor 3:4-11; Ps 99:5-9; June 8th Gospel: Mt 5:17-19
Thursday: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; June 9th Gospel: Mt 5:20-26
Friday: Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9; Is 12:2-6; Eph 3:8-12, 14-19;
June 10th Gospel: Jn 19:31-37
Saturday: 2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 103:1-4, 9-12; June 11th Gospel: Mt 5:33-37
LA ASAMBLEA DE ORACIÓN
Se reúne cada Jueves
a las 7:00 pm en la
iglesia. Venga a las
alabanzas y charlas
de diferentes predicadores
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading — This is the blood of the covenant
that the Lord has made with you (Exodus 24:3-8).
Psalm — I will take the cup of salvation, and call
on the name of the Lord (Psalm 116).
Second Reading — Christ is the mediator of a new
covenant (Hebrews 9:11-15).
Gospel — This is my body. This is my blood
(Mark 14:12-16, 22-26).
The Most Holy Bodyand Blood of Christ The cup of salvation I will
take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD. — Psalm 116:13
LECTURAS DE HOY
Primera lectura — El Señor hace una alianza con
su pueblo y la sella con sangre (Exodo 24:3-8).
Salmo — Levantaré el cáliz de la salvación
(Salmo 116 [115]).
Segunda lectura — La sangre de Cristo obtiene la
redención eterna para el pueblo (Hebreos 9:11-15).
Evangelio — Jesús, mientras celebraba la Pascua
con sus discípulos, establece la nueva Alianza.
(Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26).
El Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo Levantaré el cáliz de Salvación e invocaré
el nombre del Señor.
— Salmo 116 (115):13
Office of Family Life Ministry has organized some training sessions for parish leaders (and catechists
assist-ing parish leaders) and others who would like to become a part of our Archdiocesan Speaker Pool or simply
train to offer information on the event as well as the catechesis for World Meeting of Families, Love is Our
Mission: The Family Fully Alive to their parish and/or community. Participants will be trained on how to
deliver the Introductory Session to the World Meeting of Families “talk” to any group. Participants will
receive a free flash drive and material to facilitate the presentation.
DATE DAY LANGUAGE TIME
June 3, 2015 Wednesday English
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
June 3, 2015 Wednesday Spanish
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
June 20, 2015 Saturday
English
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
July 11, 2015 Saturday
Spanish
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
July
23,
2015
Thursday
English
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
July
23,
2015
Thursday
Spanish
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
These trainings are free of charge but registration is required. Copies of the catechesis published by Our
Sunday Visitor will be available for sale $ 10. To register for any of the above dates, please visit our website
www.familylifeministryhouston and click on the world meeting of families logo. We have limited space for
each session, so please try to reserve your seat as soon as possible.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
THE DEADLINE FOR PLACING A NOTICE OR ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE WEEKLY BULLETIN IS
12:00 NOON ON FRIDAY. E-MAILING IGALVAN@COMCAST.NET Thank you for your cooperation. CHECK OUT OUR BULLETIN ONLINE
www.dominicchurch.org
WALLISVILLE DENTAL
14570 WALLISVILLE RD #2
HOUSTON, TX 77049
713-453-2500
OEC-DOCTRINA PRE-REGISRATION
RETURNING SECOND
YEAR STUDENTS
1st Communion and Confirmation
ALUMNOS
DE PRIMERA COMUNIOIN
Y CONFIRMACION
REGRESANDO A LA DOCTINA
MARTES/TUESDAY– VIERNES/FRIDAY
8:30 AM –3:30 PM
XV - QUINCEAÑERAS
QUE NO SE REGISTRARON EN EL
PROGRAMA DE 2014-2015
THAT DID NOT REGISTER IN
PROGRAM 2014-2015
REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
MUST BRING BIRTH & BAPTISM CERIFICATE
NUEVOS ALUMNOS
MARTES/TUESDAY –VIERNES/FRIDAY
JUNE 2 - AUGUST 7, 2015
RCIA/RICA REGISTRATION
HASTA AGOSTO 7, 2015
INTENCIONES DE MISAS
Favor de pasar al la oficina por lo menos un semana antes de fecha de intención. No le de su
inten-ción a ultima hora al lector. El nombre de intención debe aparecer en el boletín. El boletín
es enviado a impresa en lunes para edición del próximo domingo.
La donación por intención son $10.00
MASS INTENTIONS
Please come by the office at least a week prior to date that you want intention mentioned. Please do not give name to lector last minute before intentions are mentioned. Names will appear in the
bulletin. Bulletin is sent to press on Monday of the week before Sunday edition.
Donation per intention is $10.00
TRIP TO THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF
GUADALUPE IN MEXICO CITY
NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 4, 2015
(5 DAYS); REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
UNTIL AUGUST 30, 2015. FOR DETAILS
PLEASE CALL
THE PARISH OFFICE
AT 281-458-2910. or go to website
http://www.unitours.com/client/
FrEstorqueMexicoPilgrimage.html
VIAJE AL SANTUARIO DE NUESTRA SEÑORA
DE GUADALUPE - DE LA CUIDAD MEXICO NOVIEMBRE 30-DICIEMBRE 4, 2015 (5 DÍAS)
LA INSCRIPCIÓN ESTÁ ABIERTA HASTA EL 30 DE AGOSTO DE 2015. PARA MÁS
DETALLES, LLAME A
THANKSGIVING
The word “thanksgiving” most often calls to our mind the holiday in November. But as early as the middle of the second century Justin Martyr referred to the blessed bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper as “food we call ‘thanksgiving’ ” (in Greek eucharistia). The Thanksgiving we celebrate in the autumn is at times marked by a sort of proud societal self congratulation and the consumption of food until we sink into an inert stupor. The “thanksgiving” that we call our Eucharist is just the opposite: we are led to it by an acknowledgment of our own failings; we remember our humble place in the scheme of things by giving praise to God alone.
While the food of Christ’s body and blood fills our spiritual hungers, it also creates in us a greater hunger. We are not sent to our spiritual sofas to let the Lord’s Supper settle; we are sent to be living signs of that thanksgiving for the world by looking out for the poor and powerless, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, speaking out against the self righteous. In short, the hun-ger created by our doing in remembrance of Christ must lead us to living in remembrance of him.
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION It has been said that the Church breathes with two lungs, East and West. Some of our family treasures are in the East, and it is interesting to consider how liturgical families developed around differing customs. Centuries before Christ, after the young girl was given to her husband by her father, the spouses were crowned. Christians retained that custom, keeping the wedding in the home, and sometimes inviting a visiting priest or bishop to put the crowns on their heads. By the fourth century, the crowns were seen not as royal crowns, but as the crowns of victory worn by martyrs. The crowns have nothing to do with being “king and queen for a day,” but rather speak of the sacrifice of love poured out fully. There are no vows exchanged at all, but the crowning is followed by a joyful dance by the priest and couple around the Gospel book. Unlike Roman law, which saw the wedding rites as optional, Eastern practice did not recognize a marriage that had not been blessed.
ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS
El Día de Acción de Gracias que celebramos en el otoño a veces se ve marcado por una especie de orgullo y auto felicitación por parte de nuestra sociedad, por no hablar de comilonas que nos llevan hasta el estupor. Pero la “acción de gracias” que en griego se llama “Eucaristía” es al revés: lo que nos lleva a ella es el reconocimiento de nuestras faltas; recordamos nuestra posición humilde en el universo alabando a Dios, y a nadie más que a Dios.
Es verdad que el alimento del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo sacia el hambre de nuestro espíritu, pero también es verdad que ese alimento crea en nosotros un hambre más intensa aun. Al terminar la Misa no nos envían a un sofá espiritual a sentarnos en lo que la Cena del Señor se nos asienta en el estómago; más bien, nos envían al mundo a ser signos vivientes de esa Acción de Gracias, ayudando a los pobres y desvalidos, alimentando a los hambrientos, cuidando a los enfermos, protestando contra las actitudes farisaicas. En fin, el hambre producida en nosotros al hacer el Memorial de Jesús nos tiene que impulsar a vivir “en memoria de él”.
TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE “Altísimo Señor”, un bellísimo himno tradicional canta con asombro y maravilla la humildad de Jesucristo quien siendo divino no sólo murió por nosotros sino que también se hace nuestro manjar en un pedacito de pan. Nos invita al “convite de amor” para “amar y recibir a quien por mí, quiso morir”.
Esta espiritualidad eucarística es buena, pero sería aún mejor recordar que el cordero divino no murió sólo por mí, sino por “nosotros”. El cristiano es cristiano en la medida que se relaciona en la Iglesia, la gran familia de Dios. El Cuerpo de Cristo se forma no sólo de granos de trigo sino de hombres y mujeres bautizadas. Su cuerpo no se encuentra sólo en un altar sino en los cristianos unidos para la misa. El cuerpo de Cristo está en la hostia pero también se encuentra en todo creyente. Abre los ojos y, con asombro y maravilla, verás a Jesucristo en nuestra unión de fe. Jesús está tan presente en la Iglesia como en sus tabernáculos y sagrarios. Juntos somos el pan de la vida que da gracia y virtud, alegría y salud.
